Soy Milk Health Benefits

Soy milk is a healthy beverage made of soybeans and is similar to cow�s milk; nutrition wises. It is a good alternative for people who do not like drinking cow's milk. Discovered by Chinese monks who were grinding soy beans into flour, it is now found in different corners of the world today. It has numerous health benefits that in all ways, stands up to the dairy milk in all means. Soy milk contains approximately the same amount of protein (3.5%) as cow's milk, 2% fat, 2.9% carbohydrate and 0.5% ash. Furthermore, the fact that it contains isoflavones, a plant compound which has antiestrogenic and anticancer properties, makes it even more preferable. As if all these were not enough, it is also one of the most common food allergens. Health benefits of soya milk are abound, so, make it a habit to drink as little as a cup of soy milk per day. Explore this article to learn more about the calories in soya milk and its benefits.

Soy Milk Nutrition
This chart shows nutrients count in 250ml of plain soymilk.

Health Benefits

Increases Lipid Profile
The most important health benefit of soy milk is its ability to improve the blood lipid profile. It is unsaturated with zero cholesterol unlike dairy milk which is comparatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids present in fatty acids in soy prevent the transport of cholesterol into the blood stream. Regular intake of soy helps you lower the concentration of triglyceride and low density lipoproteins (LDL) and raise the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL). In case you have a family history of coronary heart diseases or high cholesterol, this is an ideal drink.

Supports Blood Vessel Integrity
Soy milk is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and phyto-antioxidants which help in defending the blood vessels from lesions and hemorrhage. These compounds, binding itself to the blood vessel lining and defend from radical attacks and cholesterol deposits. The binding of these nutrients improves the fluidity and flexibility of the blood vessels which makes it much more resilient to blood pressure changes.

Promotes Weight Loss
Low in sugar content in comparison to regular milk; cow�s milk has 12 grams of sugar as opposed to the 7 grams in soy milk. This is exactly the reason why soy milk has only 80 calories which is equivalent to skimmed milk. Furthermore, soy milk is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which prevents the intestinal absorption of fat which is another advantage related to weight loss. Regular intake of soy milk also provides the body with an additional dosage of fiber, keeping you fuller for a longer period of time.

Prevents Prostate Cancer
Soy milk, a rich source of phytoestrogen, is a unique plant hormone which prevents the production of testosterone in men. The reduced testosterone levels reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Studies suggest that those men who eat a soy-rich diet have lesser chances of developing prostate cancer.

Prevent Osteoporosis
The soy milk rich in phytoestrogen helps accelerates the absorption of calcium by the body, thus, preventing the loss of bone mass. To get the maximum benefit, ensure you purchase soy milk that is fortified with extra calcium and vitamin D. Thus, a regular intake of soy milk will help prevent diseases like osteoporosis.

Other Health Benefits Of Soy Milk

Rich in amino acids and proteins, soy milk has ample nutritional benefits. Its inclusion in your regular diet will make your body fight almost all the dreaded diseases. Hope this article familiarizes you with the nutrition content and the health benefits of soy milk.